From Iceland — Geyser Dyer Case Going To Court This Week

Geyser Dyer Case Going To Court This Week

Published April 25, 2016

Andie Sophia Fontaine
Photo by
Art Bicnick

The case of an artist who made headlines last year for pouring pink dye into the geyser Strokkur will be heard in court this Thursday. He is charged with breaking Iceland’s law on nature conservation.

Vísir reports that South Iceland police filed the charges, and the case will be heard by South Iceland District Court this Thursday.

As reported, Marco told reporters last year that he sees the negative reaction he has received to his project as a positive sign that Icelanders care about the environment.

“I didn’t go to Iceland with the intention of committing vandalism,” Marco posted on Facebook, RÚV reports. “But it always makes me happy when art opens people’s eyes. I can confirm for you all that the colouring I used was a harmless fruit colouring, and Strokkur was back to normal by three o’ clock the same day, when the police came to visit.”

Marco also took a positive outlook on the numerous complaints and criticisms the action received, saying that it proved Icelanders care about the environment.

“After being questioned by police, I was charged with damaging Strokkur,” he added. “But as I believe my harmless intervention didn’t harm Strokkur, I intend to take the case to court.”

When previously questioned about the incident, Marco raised the point that he was trying to convey an environmental message.

“I want people to see what is happening to the environment,” he told reporters. “I want them to realize that the soap they buy in stores harms the environment. All these cars and buses that go to the Geysir area every day damage the environment, not the food colouring I use.”

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